The newly-established Khalifa University of Science and Technology combines the Masdar Institute
of Science and Technology (MI), Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research
(KUSTAR), and the Petroleum Institute (PI) into one world-class, research-intensive institution,
seamlessly integrating research and education to produce world leaders and critical thinkers in
applied science and engineering.

The Masdar Institute of Science Technology and Petroleum Institute remain as research institutes
at Khalifa University, playing a critical role in the research structure and culture of the university
and serving as interdisciplinary research units focused on long-term strategic priorities.

Research is at the core of KU, as we know research has the power to transform industry, society
and regions KU’s research-focused academics seek to achieve global impact through excellence
in research domains of regional importance.

M.Sc. by Research in Engineering

M.Sc. by Research in Engineering

The degree of Master of Science by Research in Engineering (M.Sc. by ResEng) is awarded for successfully completing the requirements of a program of study, which includes a limited set of taught courses as well as a significant written thesis. The thesis is an independent investigation of a specialized areas within a particular engineering disciplines. The M.Sc. by ResEng gives candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the particular engineering field of interest and contribute to the process of discovery and knowledge creation through the conduct of original research. Candidates for this degree are taught and supervised by experienced faculty and are expected to demonstrate initiative in their approach and innovation in their work. In addition to successfully completing the taught course component of the program, candidates prepare and present a thesis on their chosen area. Research may be undertaken in several topics corresponding to the areas of focus identified by the University.

The M.Sc. by Research in Engineering (ResEng) program consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours. The required program credits are distributed as follows: 3 credits of Program Core courses, zero credit seminar in research methods course, 9 credits of Program Elective courses, and 24 credits of Engineering Master’s Thesis work. The table below presents a summary of the M.Sc. by ResEng degree program structure and requirements. All the M.Sc. by ResEng program courses, with the exception of the Research Seminar and the Master’s Thesis, have a credit rating of three credits each. The academic advisor and the Program Chair provide advice to the student about the courses to enroll in to meet the taught course requirement of the program.

Summary of M.Sc. by Research Engineering Degree Program Structure and Requirements

Category

Credits Required

Program Core

3

Seminar in Research Methods

0

Program Electives

9

Master’s Thesis

24

Total

36

Program Requirements

Students seeking the degree of M.Sc. by Research in Engineering must successfully complete a minimum of 36 credited hours as specified in the categories detailed in this section, with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0.

Program Core

The program core consists of one course of engineering mathematics and a zero credit seminar in research methods course.

I. Engineering Mathematics Courses (3 credits)

Students must select one course from the list below. Other engineering mathematics courses offered by the University may be selected subject to the approval of the student advisor, program chair and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.

MATH 601 Engineering Mathematical Analysis

MATH 602 Numerical Methods in Engineering

MATH 604 Multivariate Data Analysis

ENGR 605 Optimization Methods for Engineers

II. ENGR 695 Seminar in Research Methods (0 credits)

Program Electives

Students must complete a minimum of 9 credits (3 courses) of technical engineering electives. The courses must be selected from the list of technical engineering courses offered by the various MSc programs in the College of Engineering. The selected courses must be related to the engineering discipline the student will pursue research in. They will also need to be approved by the student advisor and the program chair.

Engineering Master’s Thesis

ENGR 699 Engineering Master’s Thesis (24 credits)

A student must complete a master’s thesis that involves significant creative, research-oriented work within the particular engineering field of interest, under the direct supervision of at least one full-time faculty advisor. The student must submit a formal report at the end of each semester that details the progress made in the research and the plans for the following semester. The thesis advisors assess the reports and approve the submission of the final thesis. During the final semester, the research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination.

Study Plan

Typical study plans for full-time and part-time students enrolled in the M.Sc. by Research in Engineering program are shown below. Each student is expected to select the courses in consultation with her/his academic advisor.